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Pacemaker

Pacemakers are commonly used to treat several forms of arrhythmia. A pacemaker is a battery-powered device that is inserted under the skin (or sometimes under the muscle), usually near the collarbone; it is attached to the heart via one or more wires (leads) that extend from the pacemaker through the veins to the right side of the heart. The pacemaker monitors the heartbeat. If the heart rate is normal it stays off; however, if the beat is too slow, fast or erratic, the pacemaker sends a mild electrical signal to the heart that causes it to beat at a more beneficial pace. For patients who have had an AV node ablation, the pacemaker is required to keep the heart beating. A similar device called a biventricular pacemaker can be used to treat some arrhythmia issues caused by heart failure.

Pacemakers are normally implanted through a small incision under the collarbone; the leads are channeled through the large vein here into the heart, using an X-ray machine to help guide the electrophysiologist performing the procedure. Insertion may also occur during an open surgical procedure, often in combination with another heart surgery; in this case the leads are attached to the outside of the heart muscle.

Why Temple?

We have a specialist team that focuses on care for arrhythmia, including a high level of experience with pacemaker implantation both surgically and through minimally invasive methods. For the latter, we have some of the most extensive cardiac catheterization facilities in the region.

Schools

Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple University Health System (TUHS) and by the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. TUHS neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents.